I would want to buy a new system of track. Which you thoughts are better (as facility than assembly, reliability and smooth of operation) between Proto2000 Power-loc, Atlas True track, Kato Unitrack and Bachmann E-Z? Thank's in advance!
The standard track for both myself and the club I belong to is Atlas Cd 83 flextrack and Atlas (mostly) #6 or larger turnouts. The Atlas track looks good and runs good and is less maintainence intensive than a lot of other things. The biggest advantage of the Cd 83 over the Cd 100 is availability of special turnouts such as 3 ways, curved, and double slips. There is also an arguement that it makes the trains look bigger because it's closer to scale size, but I can't tell 17/1000ths of an inch difference from any distance. A couple of things to avoid are brass or steel track as they will corrode quite rapidly and become a maintainence headache. Nickel Silver track also corrodes, but the NS oxide is still conductive so you don't notice the difference. Also, stay away from the micro-engineering track in HO as it has a really bad tendancy to not stay in gauge. We used some of the ME track at the club and are now making a considered effort to replace it wherever possible. HTH. [ 23. November 2002, 01:40: Message edited by: cthippo ]
I've never had any experience with either of those brands, but I've heard good things about Kato's system. From personal observations, I'd go with using Atlas or Rivarossi track and cork roadbed.
It just may be my opinion but to make a true to life looking layout I would stay away from those snap together tracks with the plastic roadbed. To me they are all right for a kitchen table layout or one on the living room carpet but not for something you want to keep around for awhile. Just my 2 cents worth!!
Being a proponent of code 83, I'd have to agree with Bonkyrail. However, if you did go with code 100 to start out with, you wouldn't be wrong. Ballast, plus paint on the rail sides, help to disguise the too-large rail. Atlas' code 83 line is good, and costs only a little more than the code 100. The 83 also benefits by the more-realistic-looking ties.
Ciao, Fabrizio! The track systems you've listed are limited since they do not have a wide selection of components to choose from. They are good for setting up non permanent layouts that you can quickly set up and take down, but may not be the best choice for a more elaborate permanent layout. We need to know what your layout plans are, in order to give you the best advice. That being said, all the systems you mentioned work very well operationally. The Power-Loc track is probably the easiest to set up, but also has the least amount of components to choose from. I think the Bachmann track might have the most variety of track components to choose from. These systems are easy to set up, but are very limited. Ultimately, your best bet is to use flex track, and pre-fab turnouts from companies such as Walthers, ME, Peco, or Shinohara. Atlas turnouts are not of the highest quality, and are mainly used by beginners or people on a budget. [ 23. November 2002, 18:14: Message edited by: Pete ]
In the first place thanks for all the answers that you have indicated to me. I don't have a layout and I have need for non permanent layout that I can quickly set up and take down (also for the moment! ). I have 2 problems: 1) I would want to make to turn a autorack's train (walthers model); all the mentioned system have the 24'' radius curved ? And which it is the angle of the turnout that allow at this type of freight cars of turn (without derail)? 2) I would want to avoid that the locomotive's wheels (in particular the switcher's wheels) have difficulty in electric pick up, normally on the frog. Thank's for all your answers!
